Gambling Addiction – How to Recognize If You Are Suffering From a Gambling Addiction
If you are struggling with a gambling addiction, it may be time to seek help. A professional online therapist can help you overcome your gambling problem, and BetterHelp can match you with the right therapist. We have an affiliate relationship with BetterHelp, so clicking on our links may earn us a small commission. Despite the stigma associated with admitting to an addiction, it is a good idea to seek help early on, so that you can start to rebuild your life.
Problem gambling
Problem gambling is a serious disorder that causes personal, financial, and emotional problems. It can start as a minor problem or become more serious over time. Previously known as pathological or compulsive gambling, problem gambling is now recognized as an impulse control disorder by the American Psychiatric Association. It can also be dangerous to the gambler’s health and performance at work. This article will explore how you can recognize if you are suffering from problem gambling and how to find help.
Currently, treatment for problem gambling includes counseling, step-based programs, self-help, peer-support, and medications. However, there is no one treatment for pathological gambling. There are no specific medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Symptoms
The emotional symptoms of gambling addiction are many and include unhappiness, depression, and lethargy. Although these symptoms may seem common, they are actually signs of a serious addiction. Gamblers may also engage in secretive behavior, setting up separate bank accounts, and hiding their gambling habits from family and friends. Some suffer from insomnia, which results in pale skin and dark circles under the eyes. In some cases, a person may even steal money or embezzle from family members to fund their habit.
People with gambling addictions often have distorted thinking patterns, have superstitions, or minimize losses. They may also be overconfident about future events. Their gambling behavior is likely to be more severe if they engage in fast-paced games or a lottery with daily limits. A problem gambler may also be more prone to depression or co-occurring disorders. These symptoms are particularly common in people with a family history of addiction.
Risk factors
Risk factors for gambling are essential to identifying and developing effective interventions for problem gamblers. To identify potential risk factors, the researchers explored personal, social, and environmental factors. The results showed that men were significantly more likely to engage in risky gambling than women. The researchers also identified factors that increased the likelihood of problematic gambling in men. Although these results suggest that there are some potential risk factors for gambling, more research is necessary to better understand the causes of problematic gambling.
The authors conducted a systematic search using the terms gambling and prevention, education, awareness, and adolescent population to identify relevant research. They used Academic Search Complete, PsycARTICLES, Google Scholar, and other databases to identify relevant articles. Their findings indicated that the inclusion of parents in the study improved student knowledge about gambling and decreased the likelihood of risky behavior. Nevertheless, these results cannot be generalized because the study is limited to a few institutions.
Treatment
The effects of problem gambling are devastating to the family. It can cause financial stress and emotional distress, particularly when the addict’s finances are affected. Many of these individuals have children who suffer the effects of this emotional stress. Physically, those affected by gambling addiction can experience stomach and ulcer problems, insomnia, and headaches. Problem gamblers are also at increased risk of substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs. Treatment for gambling addiction can help people to re-establish a healthy relationship with money.
The first step in seeking treatment is to recognize that gambling is a problem. There are many options for treatment, which can range from counseling, support groups, and behavioral modifications to medication. A loved one should encourage the recovering individual in their quest for recovery and support him or her throughout the process. However, there are some challenges to overcome and a full recovery may not be possible if the addict continues to use illicit substances. If the loved one does not seek treatment for the addiction, he or she may suffer financial consequences as a result of their problem.
If you are struggling with a gambling addiction, it may be time to seek help. A professional online therapist can help you overcome your gambling problem, and BetterHelp can match you with the right therapist. We have an affiliate relationship with BetterHelp, so clicking on our links may earn us a small commission. Despite the…